Dachshund Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Dachshund Puppy Prep: Spine-Safe Setup First

Before your Dachshund puppy arrives, the most important preparation isn't a toy selection or crate style — it's setting up a spine-safe environment. IVDD affects 19–25% of Dachshunds during their lifetime, and the cumulative damage from jumping off furniture begins from puppyhood. Set up ramps now, before the first jump happens.

Spine-Safe Setup

• Pet ramp or stairs for couch access
• Pet ramp or stairs for bed access (or keep dog off the bed until they're older and trained to use the ramp)
• Car ramp or step if the dog will ride in vehicles
• Non-slip mats on hardwood, tile, and slippery surfaces — Dachshunds slip and strain their backs on slick floors

Essential Gear Checklist

• Small crate (18–22 inch for Miniatures, 24 inch for Standards) with divider
• Dog bed with low sides (easy to get in/out without jumping)
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Harness (not a collar — avoid neck pressure for a breed prone to spinal issues)
• 4–6 ft leash
• Grooming tools appropriate to coat type (see grooming guide)
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents (you'll need it — Dachshunds are notoriously hard to housetrain)
• High-value training treats
• Durable toys appropriate for a determined chewer

First Week Setup

First Week: Vet Visit and Housetraining Reality

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam
• Spinal health baseline discussion — tell your vet you want to discuss IVDD prevention
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention (note: if MDR1 testing is warranted for your Dachshund mix/lineage, ask — though true Dachshunds are not a primary MDR1 breed)
• Dental assessment — small breed dental care should start early
• Microchip if not done by breeder
• Get pet insurance before this appointment if possible — or immediately after

Housetraining: Set Realistic Expectations

Dachshunds are one of the most difficult breeds to housetrain. They were bred to hunt underground and are independent-minded, weather-averse (they hate going outside in rain or cold), and will hold their bladder until they're somewhere warm and comfortable — which may not be outdoors.

What works:

• Extremely consistent schedule — outside after every meal, nap, and play session
• High-value treats immediately (within 2 seconds) upon eliminating outside
• Confine to a small, supervised area — never give a partially trained Dachshund free run of the house
• Bell training (teach them to ring a bell at the door) works very well for many Dachshunds
• Don't punish accidents — just interrupt, take outside, and reward any outdoor elimination

Expect housetraining to take 3–6 months consistently, with some dogs taking longer. Many Dachshund owners use a dog door with a small covered outdoor area to make inclement-weather bathroom trips less of a battle.

IVDD Prevention for Life

Building Spine-Safe Habits From Puppyhood

The Three Rules of Spine-Safe Living

1. No jumping on/off furniture. Every jump adds stress to the discs. Use ramps and train your puppy to use them from day one. This is easier to teach as a puppy than to change as an adult habit.
2. Weight management starting now. Extra weight compresses the discs. Measure food, avoid excessive treats, and get your vet to assess body condition at every annual visit. A fit Dachshund has a visible waist when viewed from above.
3. Supportive carry technique. When picking up a Dachshund, always support both the chest and the hindquarters simultaneously. Never lift by the front legs or let the body hang unsupported — this strains the lumbar spine.

Watch for IVDD Warning Signs

Knowing the symptoms allows early intervention, which dramatically improves outcomes:

• Reluctance to move, climb stairs, or go on walks
• Crying when picked up or when touched along the back
• Shaking or hunched posture
• Loss of coordination, wobbling, or weakness in hind legs
• In severe cases: partial or complete paralysis of the hindquarters

If you observe any of these signs, contact your vet the same day. IVDD treatment outcomes are significantly better when caught early.